Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in men and women, Slovin says. Several years ago, it was found that there may be an increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients who receive a GnRH agonist, such as leuprolide, for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. Preliminary data has suggested that the amount of cardiovascular side effects in men treated with a GnRH antagonist, such as degarelix, might be fewer than in men who receive a GnRH agonist.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in men and women, Slovin says. Several years ago, it was found that there may be an increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients who receive a GnRH agonist, such as leuprolide, for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. Preliminary data has suggested that the amount of cardiovascular side effects in men treated with a GnRH antagonist, such as degarelix, might be fewer than in men who receive a GnRH agonist.